In a stunning return to the spotlight, Marcos Ambrose, the legendary driver from Tasmania, has been immortalized in the Supercars Hall of Fame. This momentous occasion unfolded at the Gala Awards, marking a remarkable 22 years since he first earned the prestigious Barry Sheene Medal. Ambrose, a two-time Supercars champion and NASCAR Cup Series victor, now joins the exclusive ranks as the 27th inductee into this revered Hall of Fame.
Ambrose’s legacy as a Ford icon during the V8 Supercars era is undeniable. He played a pivotal role in restoring Ford’s supremacy by breaking the five-year stronghold of the Holden Racing Team while driving for Stone Brothers Racing. His induction was a heartwarming moment, made even more special as he was honored by fellow racing great Mark Larkham. In his acceptance speech, Ambrose expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m very humbled with this award. I never expected in a million years that I would even make it to Supercars, and to be here in the Hall of Fame.”
Reflecting on his friendship with the late Barry Sheene, Ambrose praised the latest Barry Sheene Medal recipient, Broc Feeney, declaring, “To see the award get given to a worthy person in Broc is incredible.” His journey in the sport, spanning from 2001 to the end of 2005, was one filled with unforgettable moments. “I feel so welcome to be back in the Supercars garage, and that’s special,” he remarked, highlighting the camaraderie that the sport fosters.
Ambrose’s career is marked by impressive achievements, including eight podium finishes and a round win in his debut year. He quickly became a formidable competitor, clinching his first championship title in 2003 and successfully defending it in 2004 with an astonishing 11 victories. While he narrowly missed a third consecutive title in 2005, his exit from Australia was nothing short of spectacular, paving the way for a successful venture in the NASCAR Cup Series with two wins under his belt.
Even after a decade-long absence, Ambrose made a brief return to the Supercars scene, competing in five rounds with DJR Team Penske in 2014 and 2015. His iconic full-time tenure at Stone Brothers Racing was characterized by the eye-catching Pirtek colors, which have become legendary among fans.
In a personal battle, Ambrose faced a health scare when diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but his resilience shone through as he returned to the paddock with his trademark smile. Recently, he took on the role of “Fanbassador” at the bp Adelaide Grand Final, enjoying quality time with his daughter, Tabitha.
The Gala Awards provided a fitting platform for Ambrose to reunite with former team owners Ross and Jim Stone, further cementing his legacy in the motorsport community. With his heartfelt remarks about the current state of the sport, he noted, “The sport’s in great hands. We’ve got some amazing young drivers coming through. The Gen3 car has certainly been implemented and all the bugs are out of that. We’ve got an amazing new format too.” He proudly asserted, “Per size of our population, I don’t think there’s a better championship anywhere in the world.”
Marcos Ambrose’s induction into the Hall of Fame is more than a recognition of his past; it is a celebration of his enduring impact on motorsport and a testament to the spirit of racing that continues to thrive. His story resonates with fans and aspiring drivers alike, serving as a powerful reminder of the passion and dedication that define the world of Supercars.
